PREVALENCE, ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS AND VIABILITY OF HYDATID CYSTS IN BOVINE SLAUGHTERED IN SELECTED ABATTOIRS WITHIN KADUNA METROPOLIS

Abstract

A cross sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence, cyst characteristics and estimating the financial loss due to cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Tudun-wada abattoir, Kakuri (Makera) abattoir, Kawo abattoir and Sabon–Tasha abattoir, all within Kaduna metropolis, was carried out from January to July, 2019. Out of the 160 cattle examined (40 from each abattoir), 21 (12.2 %) were found to harbor visible hydatid cysts. Significantly higher infection (p < 0.05) was detected in cattle with moderate body conditions than animals with forward and fat body condition score. No significant variation was observed with regards to sex of animals. Cysts were found to be distributed in the lung, liver, kidney, spleen and heart as follows 42.9%, 38.0%, 4.76%, 9.50% and 4.76% respectively. Out of 36 hydatid cysts examined, 17 (47.22%), 14 (38.88%) and 5 (13.88%) were found to be small sized, medium-sized and large- sized respectively. Likewise, out of 36 cysts assessed, 18 (50%) were fertile, 4 (11.11%) sterile and 14 (38.8%) were calcified. Of the 18 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 12 (27.7%) were viable while 8(22.2%) were non viable. Moreover, assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine hydatidosis in Kaduna metropolis from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss was estimated at 17,862,348(NGN).Despite the moderate magnitude of infection detected currently, there seems to be an existing socio economic situation favorable for hydatidosis and hence it remains one of the most important diseases warranting serious medical and veterinary attention.